Beautiful car! Enjoy it.

 

Get Mercedes Benz filter, gasket and fluid and you will save a bunch.

What year model Mercedes has the same transmission?

Thank you.

 

The transmission is a Mercedes 722.650 a.k.a. W5A580. The 722.6xx is used on many Mercedes 5-speed models of the same vintage as your car. A Mercedes dealer can look it up by that info. All 722.6xx use the same fluid, gasket and filter.

You will need a dipstick, which you can find on ebay or from the dealer. You can also find all the materials on RMEuropean.com at a good price.

There is a process that must be followed, with temperature monitored for the fluid change level. If you do it yourself, you should get a copy of the JTIS and follow the directions.

The leak can also be the seal at the electrical harness, so you probably would want to do that also when you do this service.

 

It does look like a very nice one - congratulations! Consider removing the center muffler and installing a simple "H" pipe cross over - you will realize a truly representative, adult sound. It is what a car like this car should sound like! DaleD

 

When you get that figured out, let me know. I have the same problem with my "new-ish" 2000 XK8 convertible.

Congratulations on your new machine! You are going to love driving it. And nice pix! That's a real head-turner you have there.

 

Ok, laundry list is growing:

1. smoke from fully warmed up engine, looks like valve cover gaskets are leaking onto exhaust manifold on the left side.
Whe is the best place to get those gaskets?
2. when I was pulling away from parking, one time she did not want to shift to second gear, until ~3000 rpm and then did with some jerk. Did not happen again, is it known occasion?

Also, what oil is suggested for the engine and what fluid is most cost effective for gear box?

 

Felpro (Part # VS50724R), good price from Rockauto.com for the valve cover gasket set with associated seals.

While you are in there, seriously consider upgrading seconndary tensioners to metal bodied units (unless it has been done already).

 

The OEM Mercedes ATF fluid, sells for 1/3 to 1/4 price of the same fluid from the Jag dealer. Mercedes pn is #001 989 21 03 10.

That being said, Valvoline Maxlife claims compatibility, and is much cheaper, but it is not manufacturer sanctioned.

If you have a leak, you may have low fluid contributing to your shift issue.

 

I was told that ATF +4 is perfect for 5WA580 box, which is $4.5/qt at Napa auto parts. Also, electric wiring seal for transmission is $9 at chrysler dealer + trans filter is $32.

 

Ok, we have leaking wie harness seal in transmission and low fluid level (presumably, since only about 2.5 qts came out of pan).
Fluid is dirty and stunky, however not completely black.
Will swing by napa and get 12 qts, so I could do 3 drain - refills, with short repiodof driving between.
Also, can someone suggest preferred oil for this beast?

P.S. valve cover gaskets, spark plugs and tensioner inspection next.

 

I agree, use the cheaper ATF for flushing.

 

So I am knee deep in XKR, had 2 hours to spare during the day today:

1. fixed power antenna, simple clean and lube got it going in and out
2. Changed oil with 5W30 Mobil 1 Synthetic, from Walmart ofcourse
3. Fixed rotted out PVC valve breather hose, it was almost completely detached, allowing engine to suck in unaccounted fresh air.
4. Air cleaner, got replaced on the way.
5. Replaced electric connector in the transmission, I think this is where trans fluid was leaking from ($9 at Jeep dealership)
6. Replaced transmission pan gasket and filter, along with 4qts of ATF+4 fluid aka Mercedes Benz transmission fluid, but @ $4.50/qt.
7. New wipers added nice touch, mostly during windshield wiping

On the bright side, I think erratic transmission behavior is now gone, however I am yet to see what 2 more drain and fills will do, until I am done.
Ordered valve cover gasket set + new NGK plugs from RockAuto, so soon I will know what is going on with secondary tensioners.
Your advice is always welcome!